1
as in wicked
tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness
the children had been so mischievous that we had to pay the babysitter extra and then clean up the mess
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in naughty
engaging in or marked by childish misbehavior
punished for their mischievous tricks on the neighbors
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in dangerous
causing or capable of causing harm
mischievous gossip that ruined a good teacher's reputation
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of mischievous
Glen Powell gets his Han Solo moment as the slick pilot Fox McCloud, and mischievous monkeys known as Ukikis threaten to steal the show with their pickpocketing antics.
—
Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
The Ospreys – a mischievous bird of prey – have returned.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026
Labubu, the vinyl plush collectible with a snaggletoothed grin and knowingly mischievous eyes, has become a viral sensation and one of China’s fastest-rising exports.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 24 Mar. 2026
How could the man behind such works of impish, mischievous sweetness be so very bitter?
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mischievous
Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
The Ospreys – a mischievous bird of prey – have returned.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2026
Labubu, the vinyl plush collectible with a snaggletoothed grin and knowingly mischievous eyes, has become a viral sensation and one of China’s fastest-rising exports.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 24 Mar. 2026
How could the man behind such works of impish, mischievous sweetness be so very bitter?
—Daniel D'addario, Variety, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for mischievous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mischievous
Adjective
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This wicked man is named Tobias Thornhill.—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
14 Apr. 2026
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In the original fairytale, the stepmother is portrayed as cold, self-serving and wicked, but Hochhauser recognized and uplifted a different version of the character.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The jokes — good, bad and cheap — come non-stop in then show’s 90 minutes, and are filled and sometimes pummeled with pop culture and brand-name references, puns, anachronistic humor, and naughty bits.—
Frank Rizzo,
Variety,
13 Apr. 2026
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The home needed to display her naughty sense of humor too.—
Julie Vadnal,
Architectural Digest,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The agency also rescinded the legal and scientific basis that had long established greenhouse gases as dangerous to public health.—
Stephanie Armour,
CBS News,
13 Apr. 2026
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From a darkly comic road rage incident to something more ambiguous, and potentially more dangerous; from the open roads of Southern California to an exclusive country club in Montecito; and from a couple of strangers in conflict to two actual couples in conflict with each other — and themselves.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The light green color featuring white-and-yellow flowers is bright and playful for spring, while metallic threading throughout gives this dress a more formal feel.—
Paige Bennett,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 Apr. 2026
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The food is elegant yet playful with impeccable attention to detail.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Kawhi Leonard sat out for the Clippers to rest ankle and wrist injuries, while Draymond Green was out for the Warriors with a bad back.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
13 Apr. 2026
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Was Paul’s effect on history, incalculably large, good or bad on the whole?—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The new safety measures come after a barrage of lawsuits from families alleging the platform doesn't do enough to shield children from harmful content and communication with older users.—
Mary Cunningham,
CBS News,
13 Apr. 2026
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Vaccines can train your immune system to recognize and fight harmful germs.—
Sukhman Rekhi,
Verywell Health,
13 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Like the impish anti-romance that crumbles around it, the movie’s twist is both transgressive enough to be pleased with itself and also rooted in a reality that refuses to be dismissed as a bad joke.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
31 Mar. 2026
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Helm is the curious, mercurial, impish, affectionate and dangerous air current of the English Pennines, swooping over the Eden District from prehistory until now.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The charity seeks the court’s intervention, protection, and restitution following a coordinated adverse media campaign conducted since 25 March 2025 that has caused operational disruption and reputational harm to the charity, its leadership, and its strategic partners.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2026
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Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
10 Apr. 2026
Video
'Mispronunciations' That May Be Fine
'Mischievous,' 'nuclear,' and other words to pronounce with caution.
Cite this Entry
“Mischievous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mischievous. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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